New Porsche 911 RSR Arrives in Bahrain

The new Porsche 911 RSR GT car has arrived in Bahrain for its first public showing since being revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week.

Porsche is displaying the car in the World Endurance Championship paddock ahead of the 6 Hours of Bahrain season finale.

Powered by a 4.0 litre flat six engine located in the middle of the car (as opposed to the standard rear-mounted configuration), the new 911 RSR will be eligible to compete in the World Endurance Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the European Le Mans Series.

It will also receive GTLM homologation for the North American IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.

Unlike the rival Ford GT and Ferrari 488 which carry turbocharged powerplants, the Porsche 911 RSR will run with a naturally aspirated engine.

For a number of team managers and high-ranking personnel, this was the first opportunity to see Porsche’s latest creation in the flesh.

“It’s surprising they’ve gone with the mid-engine option, but it’s within the rules,” said Prodrive/Aston Martin Racing managing director John Gaw.

“I’m impressed at how Porsche have managed to change things so drastically without waivers from the ACO. It should be an interesting car.”

The Porsche 911 RSR will make its race debut at the Daytona 24 Hours in January 2017.